Agenda - Council - 05/31/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey Planning Commission 7550 Sunwood Drive NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Re: Request from Lawrence and Paula Ferber for a Home Occupation Permit, Auto body repair shop, Lot 1, Block 1, Whitetail Meadows, Anoka County, Minnesota We live immediately adjoining the subject property, on Lot 2. Although we have had no problems with the Ferbers' business as it has operated thus far, a horrible experience with a similar situation in another locality makes us worry about a possible repeat of those troubles. In that prior case, shortly after we had built on a rural property, the adjacent land owners began bringing in junked cars. They told us they just did a little work for friends. Before long it became a full- fledged junk yard — hundreds of vehicles -- in violation of all the laws and regulations. It was ugly, it was noisy at all hours, and it lowered property values for everyone around. Orders from county zoning went ignored. Only after multiple court hearings, when a judge began issuing expensive citations for contempt, was the junk removed. Getting this resolved took a lot of time, effort, and emotional stress. We don't want to go through that again. The Ferbers' business has not been like that. But we want the City to make sure that the permit, if issued, does not allow anything similar to happen in the future. Our neighborhood is pleasant, quiet, rural residential suburbia, a nice place to live. We urge the Planning Commission to include limits on hours of operation, traffic, and (preferably no) signage, to keep the business no larger than it currently is. We urge that the permit, if issued, apply only to the Ferbers and not to future owners. And of course, we oppose any outdoor storage of junked vehicles. Sincerely, Dan Guynn, Jr. & Pamela L. Guynn 17411 Baugh St. NW Ramsey, MN 55303